Allan McNish Named Audi Racing Director Following Jonathan Wheatley Departure

Allan McNish named Audi racing director after Jonathan Wheatley departure Former Formula 1 driver Allan McNish has been appointed as racing director of the Audi F1 team, marking a significant leadership change following the departure of Jonathan Wheatley as team principal. McNish, a 56-year-old Scot with a long history at Audi, will initiate his new role ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on 1-3 May 2026. His appointment comes after Audi evaluated its senior leadership structure in the wake of Wheatley’s exit, which occurred just under a year after he joined the team. In his new position, McNish will report to Mattia Binotto, who has assumed the dual role of chief executive officer and team principal. McNish’s responsibilities will include oversight of sporting matters, engineering coordination, driver management, race strategy, garage operations, on-track media, and partner activities. Audi confirmed that McNish will retain his role as head of the company’s young driver programme although taking on the racing director duties. The German manufacturer emphasized that the appointment represents an internal promotion, with McNish having been involved in Audi’s Formula 1 project since its inception. McNish brings extensive motorsport experience to the role, including three Le Mans 24 Hours victories – two with Audi and one with Porsche – and the 2013 World Endurance Championship title. He previously competed in Formula 1 with Toyota in 2002 and served as team principal of Audi’s Formula E team. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge, McNish stated: “This is a marque that means a lot to me and it is an honour to be able to represent Audi and our partners on the most prestigious stage in motorsports. This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and Formula 1, and I am looking forward to contributing even more directly to our trackside performance.” The appointment is part of a series of management restructures at the Audi F1 project since its announcement in 2022, as the manufacturer continues to establish its presence in Formula 1 following its debut this year with the takeover of the Sauber outfit as its factory team.